Tomb Raider: Catalyst—unveiled during The Game Awards 2025—represents the franchise returning to its roots after the previous decade’s reboot trilogy. In an interview with GamesRadar, game director Will Kerslake has confirmed that the upcoming title will continue the story from where it left off in 2008’s Tomb Raider: Underworld.
In the interview, Kerslake confirmed that the reboot trilogy will also be somewhat canon to the story of Tomb Raider: Catalyst, serving as the origin story for protagonist Lara Croft. The story proper, however, is set some time after the events of Tomb Raider: Underworld. “From a timeline perspective, Tomb Raider: Catalyst is set years after the events of Tomb Raider: Underworld, with the reboot trilogy serving as her origin story, so we’re seeing a more experienced Lara Croft,” he explained.
As for where exactly Tomb Raider: Catalyst will fall in the timeline, Kerslake wasn’t too clear about this. Chances are high that it will likely end up taking not too long after Tomb Raider: Underworld, since Lara Croft’s age will be a major concern in that regard. Despite this, however, Kerslake has noted that it will be a brand new chapter in the long-running series. This also means that players don’t have to worry about all of the baggage from the older games, and can simply enjoy the newest entry even if they haven’t played the series before.
“What’s important to know is that this is a new chapter in Tomb Raider,” he said. “So whether you followed Lara from the start, or this is your first Tomb Raider game, Tomb Raider: Catalyst is designed to stand on its own as an adventure that can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Tomb Raider: Catalyst was unveiled with a trailer that gave us our first look at the new Lara Croft. The title is slated to take Lara Croft on a brand new adventure that takes place across Northern India. In the wake of a mythical cataclysm, ancient secrets have been unleashed, leading to the awakening of mysterious forces. This has also meant that there are plenty of treasure hunters on the look out to get their hands on the precious artifacts in the region, and among them is Lara Croft.
While Tomb Raider: Catalyst doesn’t yet have a release date, the game is confirmed to be coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with Amazon Game Studios taking on publishing duties. The title is being developed using Unreal Engine 5. Developer Crystal Dynamics has also gone as far as to describe the game’s world as the largest one yet seen in any of the Tomb Raider games. This means that exploration will also be rewarded quite well with plenty of lost tombs featuring intricate puzzles that can be raided. In order to help Lara accomplish her goals, she will have access to plenty of tools, ranging from her classic dual pistols and grappling hook, to newer ones.
For more details about Tomb Raider: Catalyst, check out its announcement teaser trailer. Also check out the other Tomb Raider game unveiled at the event – Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis.
